The East Arnhem region, in Australia’s Top End, is home to the world’s longest continuing culture. East Arnhem has a spectacular landscape, with rugged coastlines, remote islands and some of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. Residents and visitors to the region are drawn to its beaches, culture, lifestyle and trails. The town of Nhulunbuy, on the Gove Peninsula, is the largest centre in the region. A vibrant community with a high standard of services, Nhulunbuy operates as a service and business hub for the region.
The six other main communities in the region are Milingimbi in the Crocodile Islands, Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island, Ramingining on the edge of the Arafura Swamp, Gapuwiyak on the shores of Lake Evella, and Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara on the Gove Peninsula. These communities have schools, shops, clinics, airports and other facilities and services. They provide services to the surrounding network of more than 50 Yolngu homelands.
Lifestyle
Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with access to a large range of recreational activities and facilities. Fishing and camping are favourite weekend activities for many people. For more information about the spectacular areas you can visit see Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation’s website.
In Nhulunbuy there are over 25 clubs and associations with multiple options for both adult and youth sports and recreation. There is also a large community library, an Olympic sized swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, a skate park, play group, toy library and two large sporting ovals. Further information about Nhulunbuy can be found on the Nhulunbuy Corporation’s website.
Employment opportunities
For those wishing to relocate to the region, there are often a range of employment opportunities available in Nhulunbuy and the East Arnhem region. Seek, NT Government, and the Gove Jobs Facebook page are all good starting points if searching for employment in the region.
Housing options
Nhulunbuy offers a range of housing options. There is accommodation available to rent or buy through the private market. For information on available properties, contact the two real estate agents operating in Nhulunbuy – East Arnhem Real Estate and Gove Real Estate.
DEAL provides rental properties to support the establishment and expansion of businesses in Nhulunbuy. More information about DEAL housing, including how to apply is available here.
Travel to Nhulunbuy
Gove Airport is situated about 15km from Nhulunbuy and has a commercial airport with Airnorth operating daily flights to both Cairns and Darwin. The approximate transit time to Darwin is one hour and to Cairns is approximately 1.5 hours. There are flights with Airnorth directly from Gove to Groote Eylandt twice a week.
The Central Arnhem Road connects Nhulunbuy with the Stuart Highway, just south east of Katherine. This road is mostly unsealed, and a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. This road is accessible approximately 10-11 months of the year dependent on road conditions and rainfall.
Permits
East Arnhem is Aboriginal Land and a permit is required to travel the Central Arnhem Road, enter Aboriginal communities or visit beaches and other recreation areas. Permits are easy to access, and an important part of recognising and respecting the traditional owners of East Arnhem.
If you are driving the Central Arnhem Road, a Northern Land Council permit is required. Further information and permits are available here. Further information about driving the Central Arnhem Road can be found here.
If you wish to visit Aboriginal communities and homelands, it is recommended you discuss your travel plans with the Northern Land Council who can provide advice on the required permissions and permits. The Northern Land Council has offices in Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy.
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation manage the designated recreation areas around Nhulunbuy. A Dhimurru permit is required to visit or camp at these areas. These can be obtained here.
Social services
Nhulunbuy has a district hospital, general practitioners, schools, physiotherapists, psychologists, veterinary clinic, shops and restaurants.
The six other main communities in the region have schools, shops, clinics, airports and other facilities and services. They provide services to surrounding homelands. Further information about these communities can be obtained from the Bushtel website.